Update Legislature Debates Illegal Immigration Save Email Print



Posted: 10:51 AM Feb 24, 2009
Last Updated: 12:26 PM Feb 24, 2009
Reporter: KOLNKGIN & Associated Press



Nebraska lawmakers adjourned Tuesday without voting on a bill that would prevent illegal immigrants from receiving state benefits, and require some employers to verify the legal status of their workers.

The bill (LB403) requires state and local agencies to verify the legal status of anyone trying to collect public benefits. State Sen. Danielle Nantkes, who opposes the bill, told colleagues Tuesday that immigrants already are prohibited under federal law from receiving most state benefits.

The bill also would require public employers and contractors to check new employees' legal status once hired. The original proposals had covered all employers.

And the bill includes a proposal requiring those seeking state tax breaks to prove they verified their employees' legal status.

Lawmakers spent much of the morning on a controversial amendment.

The bill itself does not address the issue of in-state tuition for illegal immigrants, but an amendment proposed by Sen. Charlie Janssen of Fremont would repeal the law.

Gov. Dave Heineman has targeted the in-state tuition law since his veto of it in 2006 was overridden.

To get in-state tuition, illegal immigrants must graduate from a Nebraska high school and must be pursuing, or promise to pursue, legal status.

Speaker of the Legislature Mike Flood said during debate that if the amendment is adopted, he'd call for a public hearing on the issue.

Sen. Janssen's amendment was still under consideration when lawmakers adjourned for the day.

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